1 termagant | Definition of termagant
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

termagant

noun
ter·​ma·​gant | \ ˈtÉ™r-mÉ™-gÉ™nt How to pronounce termagant (audio) \

Definition of termagant

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 capitalized : a deity erroneously ascribed to Islam by medieval European Christians and represented in early English drama as a violent character
2 : an overbearing or nagging woman : shrew

termagant

adjective

Definition of termagant (Entry 2 of 2)

: overbearing, shrewish
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about termagant

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of termagant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Rita may be a bossy termagant, but her adoring Beppe appears to love being whacked around from time to time, so what’s the harm? — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Chicago Opera Theater brings flair to comic, serious Donizetti one-acters," 15 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'termagant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of termagant

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1546, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for termagant

Noun

Middle English

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on termagant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for termagant

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!